What was originally to facilitate making friends, for many users of dating applications is becoming an increasing burden. A large selection, i.e. the so -called “Choice Overload”, leads to overload – Studies show that excess possibility may lead to the inability to make decisions and dissatisfaction. Added to this is constant availability, which leads to sensory overload and addiction to dopamine high. As a result, many users feel tired and frustration, which results in real online dating burn.
This trend is also reflected in the data: from the beginning of 2022, the number of monthly visits to Tinder has fallen by half, and the number of paying subscribers decreases. As confirmed by market research and analyzes, it promises to be reversing the trend: people are increasingly wanting real relationships, and less fleeting swips (Swipe is a function available on social platforms, which allows users to view additional content by moving their finger on the screen of their mobile device)and likes.
Other dating platforms face similar challenges. To stay on the market, many suppliers focus on new functions and technical optimizations – increasingly using artificial intelligence. Sociologist Kai Droege considers this to be a risky approach: – dating platforms live on the commitment and interaction of their users; This is the product they sell. Without regularly updating the profile, messages, contacts, falling in love and parting, the dating platform would be a grim place and would soon cease to exist – he said.
Therefore, artificial intelligence is used to increase commitment and cause more interaction. However, Droege warns: – From an economic point of view, this is a very risky strategy. Dating applications lose their popularity anyway. If in addition, mailboxes are flooded with nonsense generated by artificial intelligence, This can lead to mass withdrawal of users.
In addition, you can lose an important advantage of online dates. – Online communication is perceived as a safe space in which you can quickly open, but also quickly withdraw if things have gone too far – says Droege. Artificial intelligence rather hinders building closeness and trust, because it distorts and falsifies communication. – That's why I'm very skeptical about the use of artificial intelligence in dating.
Artificial intelligence has long played a role on Tinder and Bumble. It helps, among others, in choosing and optimizing user photos to increase the chances of matching. In April, Tinder introduced a new AI function called “The Game Game” in the United States, Great Britain, Australia and part of Canada. Its purpose is to help users in flirting: in partly absurd dating scenarios they receive direct feedback, which aims to reduce uncertainty and prepare for real conversations.
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Dating application (illustration photos)
A waste of time for both sides
Artificial intelligence is currently used even when chatting – either directly in applications or through external tools. However, there is a risk here when digital flirting turns into a real meeting. Rico Hetzschold, founder of the Face2Face-Dating platform, warns:-AI tools reduce the barrier of shyness, but this is associated with problems. The other side may have expectations, for example regarding intelligence or worldness, but ultimately everything turns out to be a facade. After a few minutes of the first meeting, the truth comes to light – AI does not help in real life.
Kai Droege sees a similar threat: – Messages optimized by artificial intelligence are for text communication what the beauty filter for photos: in a short period can increase the chance of an answer. However, at the latest during the first meeting the facade falls, and the house of cards begins to collapse. What is sold as time saving is actually a waste of time.
Continuation of the material under the video
Who wants to use artificial intelligence not only as support, but as an alternative, he can even create a virtual girl – This offer is addressed primarily to men. At the top of the Google Play Store list is the “Ki Freundin Chat, Ai Girlfriend” application with over a million downloads. The promise of these applications: visual perfection, lack of free will of a virtual partner and no dramas.
For Rico Hetzschold, it does not make much sense: – Even as a trial balloon before real meetings writing with Awatar does not make sense. People who, after a long relationship or as young people want to “practice” flirting, should rather try it in real life – for example with a waitress in a bar or in a bakery. At least there you can get a real reaction – he said.
Also suppliers such as “Candy AI” are currently advertising using the so -called “AI Companions”, or virtual companions. The websites are dominated by highly sexized female characters, known for computer games. In this way, a “male look” is consistently used (in feminist theory, a male look [ang. male gaze] It is an act of imaging women and the world in visual arts and literature from a male heterosexual perspective that presents women as sexual objects for the pleasure of the heterosexual male viewer).
From a sociological point of view, this phenomenon can also be interpreted in a different way. Droege emphasizes: – There are people who use dating applications primarily to confirm their own value, almost like in a computer game. If in the future these users mainly play with AI bots instead of the feelings of real people, it will not be at least unfavorable for others. However, you cannot learn to flirt – I want to emphasize it. The main problem: AI bots are always nice – always in a good mood, always available, they never offend. Whoever acquires this pattern of relationships will have difficulties in dealing with real people.
Start-up Cupidbot from San Francisco shows how far automation can go on online dating. The software deals with everything: looking for fittings, browsing profiles, writes news. Finally, the user receives only an SMS with an hour and place of date. The application promises several meetings a week – for 27 euros (approx. 115 PLN) per month. For now, the offer is only available in the USA.
Ultimately, the key question remains: does artificial intelligence fit online dates at all? We want to be seen as real people and be desirable. We are looking for ties, not algorithms.
According to Kaia Droege, the interaction of feelings and authenticity is multidimensional. – In the cinema we show real emotions, although we know that everything is staged. Also in love there are many stereotypical staging, which despite this evoke real feelings and can be valuable to build and maintain love relationships – he said. However, real experience is decisive. – Authentic moments make being together special. Without them, the illusion is bursting – he added.
A sociologist is not convinced whether such a level of authenticity can be achieved in love communication supported by artificial intelligence. “Perhaps in the future we will even perceive the statements of a personal bot AI as an authentic expression of our self – although we know perfectly well that they are generated artificially,” says Droege. “However, we are still far away from it now,” he concluded.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
